Christine Schiefer is the co-host, with Em Schulz, of true crime and paranormal podcast And That’s Why We Drink. Fortified with boxed wine and a milkshake, respectively, the two take an often-rollicking journey (accompanied by Schiefer’s dog Gio) through the stories that creep them out and drive them to drink. Here, Schiefer pours the pinot grigio and reviews the first episode of this season’s return of Cold Case Files.
Rejoice, fellow true crime fans! A&E’s hit show Cold Case Files is finally back, and its pilot episode does not disappoint. The award-winning series documents the investigation of cold cases using modern forensic science, criminal psychology, and new leads, all the while painting a poignant picture of the lives of those affected by the victim’s death.
This week’s episode, “The Night Shift,” features the brutal 1984 murder of 22-year-old Brad Perry. Hardworking, kindhearted, and well liked in the small Mormon community of Brigham City, UT, Perry was brutally tortured and killed while working the night shift at the local gas station. His family, shocked and devastated, knew their lives would never be the same. What they didn’t know is that 24 years lay between them and justice for Brad’s death.
The startling reality is that 120,000 murder cases are currently unsolved in America. Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that only 1% of these cases are ever solved. “The Night Shift” offers viewers a rare glimpse into one of these cases, in which the work of dedicated law enforcement, attorneys, and family friends over the course of 24 years helped bring Brad’s killer to justice.
The episode itself weaves a powerful narrative. It brings to light the unavoidable ripple effect that a trauma like this has on the surrounding community. Interviews with law enforcement, friends, and family members, as well as powerful reenactments (not the cheesy kind, I promise), help to create a more visceral experience for viewers. The story of Brad Perry’s murder is not fiction – it’s real, raw, and heartbreaking.
The episode ends on a hopeful note, at least as far as true crime shows go. Brad’s relatives, his friends, and even the detectives on his case explain that the trauma of Brad’s murder made them the people they are today. Though nothing can make up for the Perry family’s loss or the nearly 24 years they spent in a sort of purgatory waiting for answers, the Perrys can finally start their healing process.
Crime has been sensationalized time and time again in books, series, and movies, but Cold Case Files is unique in its approach. If this episode is any indication, the rest of the season will be worth watching.
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Check Out Cold Case Files: The Podcast
